Container with a Medal

ABSTRACT

A package includes a container, a closure coupled to the container, a flaccid loop, and a medal coupled to the flaccid loop.

The present disclosure is directed to containers and methods ofmanufacturing containers and, more specifically, to attachments forcontainers.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A general object of the present disclosure, in accordance with oneaspect of the disclosure, is to provide a container with a medalretained thereto as an attractive marker for tracking,anti-counterfeiting, tamper-indicating, and/or use-indicating purposes.

The present disclosure embodies a number of aspects that can beimplemented separately from or in combination with each other.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a package includes acontainer, a closure coupled to the container, a flaccid loop, and amedal coupled to the flaccid loop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure, together with additional objects, features, advantagesand aspects thereof, will be best understood from the followingdescription, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevational view of a container manufactured toinclude a medal non-removably retained to the container in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1A is a rear view of the medal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the container of FIG. 1, takenalong line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and showing the medal non-removably retained tothe container;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view similar to that of FIG. 2,illustrating the medal applied to the container but before the medal hasbeen non-removably retained to the container;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of a container manufactured toinclude a medal non-removably retained to the container in accordancewith another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the container of FIG. 4, takenalong line 5-5 of FIG. 4 and showing the medal non-removably retained tothe container;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view similar to that of FIG. 5,illustrating the medal applied to the container but before the medal hasbeen non-removably retained to the container;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container manufactured toinclude a medal non-removably retained to the container in accordancewith a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the container of FIG. 7, takenalong line 8-8 of FIG. 7 and showing the medal insert molded to thecontainer to non-removably retain the medal to the container;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary elevational view of a package in accordance withan additional illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, andillustrating a medal non-removably retained to a container and coveredby a closure coupled to the container;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, partially sectional, perspective view of apackage in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of thepresent disclosure, and illustrating a medal non-removably retained andin a first state of appearance;

FIG. 11 a fragmentary, partially sectional, perspective view of thepackage of FIG. 10 and illustrating the medal in a second state ofappearance;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, partially sectional, perspective view of apackage in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of thepresent disclosure, and illustrating a medal non-removably retained to acontainer, and circuitry including an ultraviolet light source;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, partially sectional, perspective view of apackage in accordance with yet another illustrative embodiment of thepresent disclosure, and illustrating a medal non-removably retained to acontainer, and circuitry including an ultraviolet light source;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, elevational, sectional view of a package inaccordance with still another illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, and illustrating a medal extending into a closure;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary elevational view of a package in accordancewith still a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,and illustrating an electromagnetic medal and circuitry;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side view of the package of FIG. 15,illustrating first and second members of the medal;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the first member of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of a package in accordancewith yet a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,and illustrating a medal non-removably retained to a container, and aclosure coupled to the container and having a cam adapted for engagementwith the medal upon removal of the closure from the container;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary elevational view of a package in accordancewith another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, andillustrating a medal non-removably retained to a container, and aflaccid loop coupled to the medal and captured between the container anda closure coupled thereto;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary elevational view of a package in accordancewith an additional illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,and illustrating a medal having an axial end covered by a closure toprevent access thereto; and

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary front view of a container including a medalnon-removably retained thereto and having an appearance shared with aportion of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of a container 10 (e.g., bottle,jar, jug, or the like) including a medallion or medal 12 separate fromand carried by any suitable portion of the container 10. The medal 12may be non-removably retained to the container 10 and may be used as aunique code for the container 10, as will be discussed in further detailherein below. The terminology “non-removably retained” includes a mannerin which the medal 12 is, by design-intent, not intended to be removedfrom the container 10 without visible damage to the container 10. Thecontainer 10 may be produced in accordance with illustrative embodimentsof a container manufacturing process presently disclosed herein below.

The container 10 may be of any suitable shape, and may include a jug,jar, bottle, other food or beverage container, or any other suitablecontainer. The container 10 includes a longitudinal axis A, a base (notshown) at one axial end of the container 10 that is closed in an axialdirection, a body 14 extending in an axial direction from the axiallyclosed base, a shoulder 16 extending axially and radially from the body14, and a neck 18 extending axially from the shoulder 16 and including afinish 20 having an open mouth 22 at another axial end of the container10 opposite of the base. As used herein, the term “axial” includesoriented generally along a longitudinal axis of the container 10 and mayinclude but is not limited to a direction that is strictly parallel to acontainer longitudinal central axis A. Likewise, the term “radial”includes oriented generally along a radial line with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the container and may include but is not limited toa direction that is strictly perpendicular to the container longitudinalcentral axis A. The body 14 may be of any suitable shape incross-section transverse to the axis A as long as the body 14 iscircumferentially closed. For example, the body 14 may be of cylindricaltransverse cross-sectional shape that is circumferentially closed. Inother embodiments, the body 14 may be generally oval, square,rectangular, triangular, or of any other suitable transversecross-sectional shape. As used herein, the term “circumferentially”applies not only to circular transverse cross-sectional shapes but alsoapplies to any closed transverse cross-sectional shape.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the medal 12 may be coupled to the body 14of the container 10 as illustrated, and/or may be coupled to any othersuitable portion of the container 10, for example, the shoulder 16 orthe neck 18 (FIG. 1). The medal 12 may be composed of a rigid material,for instance, at least one of metal, glass, or ceramic, or any othersuitable rigid material, but preferably not plastic, or paper or otherfibrous material. The medal 12 may include an outward surface 24 thatmay carry indicia 26 (FIG. 1), which may include a brand name, logo,slogan, or any other suitable indicia. The container 10 may include adepression 28 in a body wall in which the medal 12 may be carried. Themedal 12 also may include an inward surface 30 that may carry anauthentication code 32 (FIG. 1A), which may include a serial number orthe like. In another embodiment, the code 32 may be carried on theoutward surface 24 and the indicia 26 (FIG. 1) may be carried by theinward surface 30.

The medal 12 is non-removably retained to the container 10 with materialof one-piece construction integral with a wall of the container 10. Forexample, the container 10 also may include a retainer 35, which mayinclude a radially outwardly extending column, post, stud, or peg 34having an enlarged head 36 that traps the medal 12 between the head 36and the container body 14. The depression 28 and/or the peg 34 may beformed by corresponding features in a blank mold and/or a blow mold. Inone example, the head 36 may be formed by swaging, or forming the freeend of the peg 34 in any suitable manner. In another example, the medal12 may be insert molded to the container 10, for example, by anysuitable insert molding techniques in a blank or blow mold stage ofcontainer manufacturing. Although only one peg 34 is illustrated, anysuitable quantity of pegs 34 may be used to secure the medal 12 to thecontainer 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, the container 10 is shown with its body 14′ in apre-swaged condition. The container 10 includes a radially outwardlyextending peg 34′ before swaging. The medal 12 includes an aperture 38therethrough between the outward and inward surfaces 24, 30. The medal12 is applied to the container 10 over the peg 34′ such that the peg 34′protrudes through the medal aperture 38, and such that the inwardsurface 30 of the medal 12′ locates against an outward surface 40 of thecontainer 10 within the depression 28. Then, the peg 34′ may be swagedso as to form the head 36 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Depending onwhere in the manufacturing process the swaging is carried out, theswaging may be conducted with or without application of additional heatto the peg 34′.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate another illustrative embodiment of a container 110.This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of FIGS.1-3 and like numerals between the embodiments generally designate likeor corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawingfigures. Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments areincorporated into one another. Additionally, the description of thecommon subject matter generally may not be repeated here.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a medal 112 may be non-removably retained toa body 114 of the container 110 as illustrated, and/or may benon-removably retained to any other suitable portion of the container110, for example, a shoulder 116 or neck 118 (FIG. 4). The medal 112 mayinclude an outward surface 124 that may carry any suitable indicia 126(FIG. 4). The medal 112 also may include an inward surface 130 that maycarry an authentication code. The container 110 may include a pocket ina container body wall in which the medal 112 may be carried. Forexample, the container 110 may include a radially outwardly extendingannulus or rim 134 having a swaged head 136 that traps the medal 112between the head 136 and the container body 114. The head 136 may becircumferentially continuous as illustrated, but instead may becircumferentially interrupted to include multiple flanges (not shown)that may be formed over corresponding portions of the medal 112.

Referring to FIG. 6, the container 110 is shown with its body 114′ in apre-swaged condition. The container 110 includes a radially outwardlyextending cylindrical rim 134′ before swaging. The medal 112 includes anouter edge 138, and the medal 112 is applied to the container 110 withinthe rim 134′ such that the outer edge 138 is within the rim 134′ andsuch that the inward surface 130 of the medal 112 locates against anoutward surface 140 of the container 110 within the pocket or rim 134′.Then, the rim 134′ may be swaged to or over the medal 112 so as to formthe head 136 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The medal 112 and the rim134′ may be of circular shape, as illustrated, but instead may besquare, rectangular, star-shaped, pentagonal, or of any other suitableshape.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another illustrative embodiment of a container210. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-6 and like numerals between the embodiments generally designatelike or corresponding elements throughout the several views of thedrawing figures. Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments areincorporated into one another. Additionally, the description of thecommon subject matter generally may not be repeated here.

Referring to FIG. 7, the medal 112 may be non-removably retained to abase 213 of the container 210 as illustrated, and/or may benon-removably retained to any other suitable portion of the container210. The medal 112 may include an outward surface 124 that may carry anysuitable indicia 126. Referring to FIG. 8, the medal 112 also mayinclude an inward surface 130 that may carry an authentication code. Thecontainer 210 may include a retainer 235 that retains the medal 112 tothe container 210. For example, the container 210 may include a pocketin a base wall in which the medal 112 may be carried. For example, thecontainer 210 also may include an axially outwardly extending rim 234that traps the medal 112 between the rim 234 and the container base 213.More specifically, the inward surface 130 of the medal 112 may locateagainst an outward surface 240 of the container 210 within the rim 234.

FIG. 9 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a container 310that may include a medal 312 responsive to a change associated with aclosure 342 relative to the container 310. This embodiment is similar inmany respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 and like numerals betweenthe embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elementsthroughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, thedescriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, andthe description of the common subject matter generally may not berepeated here.

In FIG. 9, a package 311 includes the container 310, a medal 312retained to the container 310, and a closure 342 coupled to thecontainer 310 and sealingly covering at least a portion of the medal312. The container 310 includes a body 314, a shoulder 316 extendingfrom the body, a neck 318 extending from the shoulder 316 and includinga neck finish 320, which may include one or more thread segments, or anyother suitable closure engagement features, to couple the closure 342 tothe container 310. The medal 312 may be non-removably retained to acontainer wall, for instance, the container neck 318, for example, by anintegral retainer 335. The retainer 335 may include an enlarged peg head336, or any other suitable portion(s) of the container 310.

The medal 312 may include an air-reactive material that reacts with anyone or more of the constituents of air so as to visibly changeappearance of the material. For example, the air-reactive material mayinclude, more particularly, an oxygen-reactive material or anitrogen-reactive material. More specifically, the air-reactive materialmay include oxygen-reactive metals, polymers, or dyes. For instance, theair-reactive material may include copper, iron, potassium, sodium, PEN(polyethylene naphthalate), or polycarbonate. The medal 312 may becomposed of such an air-reactive material, or may include a layer orcoating of such material over any suitable substrate for the medal 312.Also, the medal 312 further may include a protective material (notshown) over the air-reactive material to protect the air-reactivematerial from premature exposure, and/or a scavenging material toprotect the air-reactive material from premature exposure. Suchmaterials and configurations are disclosed and shown in conjunction withFIGS. 4-19 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/832,589 filed Mar. 15,2013 (Attorney Docket 19205 and entitled CONTAINER HAVING A USEINDICATOR), which was filed on the same date as the present applicationand is assigned to the assignee hereof and is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The closure 342 may include a cap 344 that may be coupled to thecontainer neck finish 320 in any suitable manner, for example, bythreading, friction fit, or in any other suitable manner. The cap 344may include a base wall 346, and an outer annular skirt 348 extendingaxially from the base wall 346 and terminating in a lower edge 349.

In one implementation of the present embodiment, the medal 312 may becompletely covered in an axial direction by the cap 344 wherein thelower edge 349 of the skirt 348 extends axially below the medal 312.Also, the medal 312 may be sealed air-tight to the container 310 whereinan inner surface of the lower edge 349 of the skirt 348 may be in fullcircumferential sealing contact with the container neck 318.

In another implementation, the closure 342 also may include a cover 350that may cover all or a portion of the closure cap 344 and extends belowat least a portion of the medal 312 and over at least a portion of thecontainer neck 318 in sealing contact therewith. For example, the cover350 may be a shrink wrap, wax, or any other suitable covering that canprovide an air-tight seal. Accordingly, the medal 312 may also orinstead be sealed air-tight to the container 310 by the cover 350. Theclosure 342 and cover 350 are shown as being transparent, but may beopaque or translucent so that the medal 312 may be visible from outsidethe package.

In a further implementation, the medal 312 may not be sealed air-tightto the container 310 and, instead, may include a protective coating thatmay be removed when the closure 342 is removed. For example, the closure342 may be adapted to scrape, pull, or peel the protective coating offof the medal 312 when the closure 342 is removed. More particularly, aportion of the cap 344, for example, the lower edge 349 thereof, may beadapted to scrape, pull, or peel the protective coating off the medal312, for instance, via a sharp radially inwardly extending portionthereof. In the present embodiment, the medal 312 may provide anindication of use of the package 311 as described and shown inconjunction with FIGS. 1-3 of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/832,589 filed Mar. 15, 2013 (Attorney Docket 19205 and entitledCONTAINER HAVING A USE INDICATOR), which was filed on the same date asthe present application and is assigned to the assignee hereof and isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

During product packaging, the medal 312 may be assembled to thecontainer 310 in an inert environment in any suitable manner, and theclosure 342 may be sealingly applied to the container 310 to preventoxidation of the medal 312.

Upon initial packaging of the package 311, the medal 312 may exhibit aninitial or first state of a visual characteristic, for example, a firstcolor or other appearance. (Therefore, the medal 312 and the closure 342may be assembled to the container 310 in a vacuum, in an inertenvironment, or the like to prevent premature exposure of the medal312.) But when exposed to air, for example, after removal of the closure342 when initially opening the original package 311, and responsive tosuch opening, the medal 312 may exhibit another, second state of thevisual characteristic, for example, a second color or other appearance.As used herein, the term “opening” includes partial or complete openingof a container, for example, partial turning or unthreading of a closurefrom the container or complete removal of a closure. As used herein, theterm “removal” may include partial or complete removal.

The second state is different from and irreversible to the initial orfirst state. Accordingly, the state-changed medal 312 may indicatedesign-intent use of the package 311, like first time or initialcontainer opening after the package 311 is factory sealed. Theterminology “irreversible” includes a manner in which the medal is, bydesign-intent, modifiable in one direction, for example, transparent toopaque and not back to transparent, or in another example, opaque totransparent and not back to opaque.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate another illustrative embodiment of a container410 that may include a medal 412 responsive to a change associated witha closure 442 relative to the container 410. This embodiment is similarin many respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9 and like numeralsbetween the embodiments generally designate like or correspondingelements throughout the several views of the drawing figures.Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments are incorporated intoone another, and the description of the common subject matter generallymay not be repeated here.

The container 410 may carry a medal 412, for example, on a containerneck 418, or in any other suitable location. The medal 412 may benon-removably retained to the container 410 by an integral retainer 435,which may include an enlarged head 436 of a stud 434 integrally formedwith the container 410, or via any other suitable features, or in anyother suitable manner. The medal 412 may include a substrate 413 whichmay carry one or more reactants 452 that react by receipt of electricitythereto from a power source. The reactants 452 may be carried in anysuitable cavity, pocket, enclosed hollow portion, or the like, of thesubstrate 413.

Accordingly, the container 410 also may carry a normally open electricalcircuit, which may include a power source 454, which may include one ormore batteries, quartz piezoelectrics, capacitors, solar cells, or anyother suitable supply of electricity. The power source 454 may becarried by any suitable container wall and is electrically connectableto the reactants 452 for electrifying the reactants 452 when the circuitis closed. Therefore, the container 410 additionally may carry a sensor456, which may include contacts or any other suitable configuration, andany suitable electrical conductor(s) 458 coupling the power source 454to the sensor 456 and the reactants 452. The sensor 456 may be carriedby a neck finish 420. The sensor 456 may include a capacitive proximitysensor, magnetic sensor (e.g. reed switch), photoelectric sensor,inductive proximity sensor, or any other suitable sensor or switch. Theconductor(s) 458 may include wiring, tracings, and/or the like. Thecircuit is shown as a schematic example, and any other suitableconfigurations suitable for powering an element upon closure removal arecontemplated.

Moreover, the container 410 may be part of a package 411 including aclosure 442 coupled to the neck finish 420 of the container 410. Thesensor 456 may be configured to be closed upon removal (partial orcomplete) of the closure 442 from the container 410. In one embodiment,the closure 442 may be rotatably coupled to the container neck finish420, for example, via thread segments, or any other suitablecontainer/closure engagement elements. In such an embodiment, a portionof the closure 442 may displace one of the contacts of the sensor 456into engagement with the other of the sensor contacts to close thecircuit and discharge electricity from the battery 454 into thereactants 452.

In a first implementation of the present embodiment, the reactant(s) 452may include electrochemically reactive products. For example, thereactants 452 may include magnesium, zirconium, xenon, potassiumchloride, or any other suitable materials that may ignite once uponexposure to electricity and change appearance. Accordingly, the medal412 and reactants 452 may be similar to an old photographic flashcube.

In a second implementation of the present embodiment, the reactant 452may include an electrochromic material. For example, the reactant 452may include an electrochromic polymer, or any other suitableelectrochromic material that may change at least one of color or opacityupon exposure to electricity. Accordingly, the medal 412 may be anelectrochromic (or electrochromatic) device, which may includeelectrically switchable or variable glass or glazing that has switchableor variable light transmission properties depending on voltage appliedthereto. For example, in one or more embodiments, the electrochromicdevice may include “Smart Glass,” “EGlass,” “smart sunglass,” or “smartwindow” light transmission technology.

In any of the aforementioned implementations, the medal 412 may exhibita first visual characteristic, for example, a first color or otherappearance before the reactant(s) 452 are electrified, as shown in FIG.10. But when exposed to electricity, for example, upon removal of theclosure 442, the medal 412 may exhibit a second visual characteristic,for example, a second color or other appearance upon electrification ofthe reactants 452, as shown in FIG. 11. In particular, the reactants 452themselves may change appearance from a light appearance to a darkappearance. Accordingly, the state-changed medal 412 may indicatedesign-intent use of the package 411, like first time or initialcontainer opening after the package 411 is factory sealed.

In other related embodiments, the circuit, including the closure 442,battery 454 and/or sensor 456, may be configured differently, forexample, as described and shown in conjunction with FIGS. 10-15 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/683,475 (Attorney Docket 19225 andentitled CONTAINER HAVING A USE-EVIDENT DEVICE), which was filed on Nov.21, 2012 and is assigned to the assignee hereof and is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 12 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a container 510that may include a medal 512 responsive to a change associated with aclosure 542 relative to the container 510. This embodiment is similar inmany respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 and like numerals betweenthe embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elementsthroughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, thedescriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, andthe description of the common subject matter generally may not berepeated here.

The container 510 may be part of a package 511 including a closure 542coupled to a container neck finish 520 of the container 510, which maycarry a medal 512, for example, on a container neck 518, or in any othersuitable location. The medal 512 may be non-removably retained to thecontainer 510 by an integral retainer 535, which may include an enlargedhead 536 of a stud 534 integrally formed with the container 510, or viaany other suitable features, or in any other suitable manner. The medal512 may be or may include a photochromic material, for example,photochromic glass or the like that may be activated by ultravioletlight upon opening of the package 511.

Accordingly, the container 510 also may carry an electrical circuit,which may include a power source 554, an ultraviolet (UV) light source560, and a sensor 556 and electrical conductor(s) 558. The power source554 may include one or more batteries, quartz piezoelectrics,capacitors, solar cells, or any other suitable supply of electricity.The power source 554 may be carried by any suitable container wall andis electrically connectable to the UV light source 560 for generating UVlight when the sensor 556 is closed. The sensor 556 may include acapacitive proximity sensor, magnetic sensor (e.g. reed switch),photoelectric sensor, inductive proximity sensor, or any other suitablesensor or switch and related wiring, tracings, and/or the like. In areed switch embodiment or the like, the closure 542 may carry a sensoractivator 562, for instance, a magnet, a ferrous metal, or any othersuitable sensor activation component. The UV light source 560 mayinclude one or more UV light emitting diodes (LEDs), or any othersuitable source(s) of UV light.

The sensor 556 may be configured to be closed upon removal (partial orcomplete) of the closure 542 from the container 510. In one embodiment,the closure 542 may be rotatably coupled to the container neck finish520, for example, via thread segments, or any other suitablecontainer/closure engagement elements. In the illustrated embodiment,the sensor activator 562 may pass by the sensor 556 to activate thesensor 556 and thereby close the circuit and discharge electricity fromthe battery 554 to the UV light source 560. Such circuits and componentsare disclosed and shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/679,506(Attorney Docket 19254 and entitled PRODUCT AND PACKAGE WITH APHOTOSENSITIVE USE-EVIDENT FEATURE), which was filed on Nov. 16, 2012and is assigned to the assignee hereof and is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The medal 512 may exhibit a first visual characteristic, for example, afirst color or other appearance before the UV light source 560 isenergized. But when exposed to UV light, for example, upon removal ofthe closure 542, the medal 512 may exhibit a second visualcharacteristic, for example, a second color or other appearance uponenergizing of the light source 560. Accordingly, the state-changed medal512 may indicate use of the package 511, like first time or initialcontainer opening after the package 511 is factory sealed. As usedherein, the term “use” may include design intent use, for example,package opening, product dispensing, and/or the like, but also mayinclude unintended or unauthorized use, for example, product removal,product dilution, addition of counterfeit product, and/or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the UV light source 560 may be carriedinside the container 510 on a wall thereof, which may be opposite thatof the medal 512. Accordingly, the activated light source 560 willdarken the glass 552 after opening and dispensing of certain UV blockingproducts P. In other embodiments, the UV light source 560 would becarried by the container 510 on a wall thereof in a location immediatelyadjacent or behind the medal 512. Accordingly, the activated lightsource 560 will darken the glass 552 upon opening even if the product Pis a UV blocking type of product.

The container 510 may include a UV protector to protect the medal 512from premature exposure to UV light. The UV protector may be carried bythe container 510, either directly or indirectly. The UV protector mayinclude any suitable UV blocking, UV absorbing, and/or UV retardingmaterial or element of any kind. For example, UV protective material mayinclude vanadium, selenium, carbon, iron, other glass colorant materialsor colored glass, and/or the like. The UV protective material may bepart of the container composition itself, a coating on interior and/orexterior surfaces of a substrate of the container 510 and/or the medal512, and/or the like. In another example, the UV protector may include ashrink sleeve (not shown) around the container 510 and medal 512 andwhich includes UV protective material and which may be translucent ortransparent. In any case, the UV protector may be provided over, around,or radially outward of, the medal 512 to protect it from exposure to UVlight from outside the package 510.

FIG. 13 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a package 611that may include a medal 612 responsive to a change associated with aclosure 542 relative to the container 510. This embodiment is similar inmany respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-12 and like numerals betweenthe embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elementsthroughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, thedescriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, andthe description of the common subject matter generally may not berepeated here.

The package 611 is substantially similar to the package 511 of FIG. 12including the container 510 and the closure 542, but including adifferent medal 612. The medal 612 may include a substrate 613 includinga UV protector, and a sintered layer of photochromic glass 652 that maybe applied to a rear (container facing) surface of the substrate 613.The substrate 613 may be composed of a UV protector material and/or maybe coated with same. In another implementation, the photochromic glass652 instead may be applied to a portion of the container 510corresponding in outer profile to the medal 612.

In either case, the photochromic glass 652 may include any suitablemetal halide material, which may include silver, copper, and/or cadmiumwith chlorine halide, bromine halide, and/or iodine halide. Thephotochromic material may include any suitable material selected fromthe group(s) consisting of the aforementioned materials, or from anyother suitable photochromic material(s). The layer may be produced andapplied by selectively applied ceramic label (ACL) or in a mannersimilar to ACL, which techniques—in and of themselves—are well known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a metal halidecontaining glass may be produced, pulverized into fine particles ofglass, and combined with organic binders, lubricants, flowing agents,and the like to produce a compound that can be heated and flowed ontothe container 510 and/or the medal substrate 613 using screen printingor any other suitable techniques. Thereafter, the container 510 and/ormedal substrate 612 with the sintered layer thereon may be heat treated,for example, through a decoration lehr to sinter the glass particlesonto the container 510 and/or substrate 613. The photochromic glass 652may be activated by ultraviolet light upon opening of the package 511.The photochromic glass 652 is protected by premature exposure to ambientUV light impinging on the outside of the package 611 by the UVprotective medal substrate 613. Likewise, the photochromic glass 652 isprotected from ambient UV light shining through the container 510 byflowable product P in the container 510. For example, some spirits, forinstance, cognac, scotch whiskey, whiskey, and/or the like absorb muchof the UV spectrum and can be used as a UV protector for thephotochromic glass 652.

Again, the container 510 may carry the electrical circuit, with thepower source 554, the UV light source 560, and the sensor 556 andconductor(s) 558. And again, the sensor 556 may be configured to beclosed upon removal (partial or complete) of the closure 542 from thecontainer 510 so as to discharge electricity from the battery 554 to theUV light source 560. UV light will impinge on the photochromic glass 652to darken it.

Therefore, the medal 612 may exhibit a first visual characteristic, forexample, a first color or other appearance before the UV light source560 is energized. But when exposed to UV light, for example, uponremoval of the closure 542, the medal 612 or at least the photochromicglass 652, may exhibit a second visual characteristic, for example, asecond color or other appearance upon energizing of the light source560. Accordingly, the state-changed medal 612 or photochromic glass 652may indicate design-intent use of the package 611, like first time orinitial container opening after the package 611 is factory sealed.

FIG. 14 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a container 710that may include a medal 712 responsive to a change associated with aclosure 742 relative to the container 710. This embodiment is similar inmany respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-13 and like numerals betweenthe embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elementsthroughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, thedescriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, andthe description of the common subject matter generally may not berepeated here.

The container 710 may be part of a package 711 including a closure 742coupled to a neck finish 720 of a neck 718 of the container 710. Theclosure 742 may include a base wall 746, and an outer skirt 748extending axially from the base wall 746. The closure 742 may be coupledto the container 710 in any suitable manner, for instance, via threadsegments or any other suitable cooperative engagement elements on thecontainer 710 and closure 742.

The container 710 may carry a medal 712, for example, on the containerneck 718, or in any other suitable location. The medal 712 may benon-removably retained to the container 710 by an integral retainer 735,which may include an enlarged head 736 of a stud 734 integrally formedwith the container 710, or via any other suitable features, or in anyother suitable manner. The medal 712 may include a body portion 764trapped between the head 736 and the container 710, and an extensionportion 766 that extends axially toward the closure 742. The extensionportion 766 may be radially spaced away from the container 710 and mayextend axially into the closure 742. The medal 712 would be fully intactbetween the body and extension portions 764, 766 after initial packagingof the package 711, thereby indicating an authentic product.

But upon partial or complete removal of the closure 742, the medal 712would be severed by the closure 742. For example, the closure skirt 748may include a cutter 768 that may extend radially inwardly from a lowerportion of the skirt 748. The cutter 768 may extend partially orcompletely circumferentially around the skirt 748, and may include aseparate component or may include a sharp, radially inwardly extending,integral portion of the closure 742 itself. In another implementation,the cutter 768 may be exposed only upon application of axial downwardpressure of the closure 742 toward the container 710.

Upon removal of the closure 742, the cutter 748 cuts through the medal712 between the extension portion 766 and the body portion 764. Thesevered medal 712 provides an indication that the package 711 has beenopened from its authentic, as-packaged state. The medal 712 may berelatively thin and of relatively soft metal composition, for instance,copper, or may be plastic and overmolded to the closure 742.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate another illustrative embodiment of a package 811that may include a medal 812 responsive to a change associated with aclosure 842 relative to a container 810. This embodiment is similar inmany respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-14 and like numerals betweenthe embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elementsthroughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, thedescriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, andthe description of the common subject matter generally may not berepeated here.

Referring to FIG. 15, the package 811 includes a container 810 includingan electromagnetic medal 812 non-removably retained to the container 810via an integral portion of the container 810, for instance, via anintegral retainer 835 which may include an enlarged head 836 of thecontainer 810. The package 811 also may include an electrical circuit,which may include the aforementioned components of the variouselectrical circuits described herein, including a power source 854, asensor 856 and one or more electrical conductors 858 coupled to themedal 812.

With reference to FIG. 16, the medal 812 may include a first member 870that may be fixed to and positioned adjacent to the container 810, and asecond member 872 that may be movably coupled with respect to thecontainer 810 and disposed radially outward of the first member 870 suchthat the first member 870 is positioned between the second member 872and the container 810. The first member 870 includes a first magneticelement 871 and the second member 872 includes a second magnetic element873 for cooperation with the first magnetic element 871. The magneticelements 871, 873 may be fixed to or integral with the correspondingmembers 870, 872.

With reference to FIG. 17, the first member 870 (FIG. 16) may includeone or more first portions 874 and one or more second portions 875different in appearance than the first portions 874. For example, thefirst portions 874 may be light in appearance, for instance, white, andthe second portions 875 may be dark in appearance, for instance, black.In other examples, the portions 874, 875 may be different colors, mayexhibit different indicia, or may exhibit any other differentappearance. The portions 874, 875 may include four 90-degree quadrantsor any other suitable shape and configuration.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the second member 872 may include one ormore windows 876, for example, apertures, to provide visible access toone or more portions of the first member 870 (FIG. 16). The windows 876may include two diametrically opposed 90-degree quadrants or may be ofany other suitable shape and configuration. In any event, the windows876 may correspond to the portions 874 of the first member 870 (FIG. 16)to provide visible access thereto. In an as-packaged state, the windows876 may be oriented to expose or provide visible access to the firstportions 874 of the first member 870 (FIG. 16), for example, to providean indication that the package 811 is authentic and has not been opened.

Upon partial or complete removal of the closure 842, however, thewindows 876 may be oriented to expose the second portions 875 of thefirst member 870 (FIG. 16). For example, upon removal of the closure 842the first magnetic element 871 may be powered via the circuit. Morespecifically, the electrical circuit may include the first magneticelement 871, which may be coupled to the power source 854 to energizethe first magnetic element 871 upon removal of the closure 842.Energizing of the magnetic element 871 causes attraction of the secondmagnetic element 873 thereby causing rotation of the second member 872.Such rotation may continue until the magnetic elements 871, 873 contactone another and the windows 876 are oriented so as to expose the secondportions 875 of the first member, for example, to provide an indicationthat the package 811 has been opened.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the second member872 may be rotatably coupled to the container 810, for instance, aboutthe integral container peg 834, and that the first member 870 (FIG. 16)may be fixed to the container 810 against rotation by being friction fitto the peg 834, or in any other suitable manner. But artisans ofordinary skill will also recognize that the second member 872 could befixed and the first member 870 (FIG. 16) could be rotatable. Artisans ofordinary skill would also recognize that the electromagnetic medal 812could include linearly movable first and second members instead of theillustrated rotatable members.

In either implementation, the second member 872 is not movable withrespect to the first member 870 (FIG. 16) absent energizing of themagnetic element. For example, a protective cover (now shown) may benon-removably coupled to the container 810 over the members 870, 872, orany suitable electrical functionality may be used to maintain the member872 in place. Also, ratchet features could be provided between themembers 870, 872 to prevent or provide an indication tampering with themedal 812.

FIG. 18 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a package 911that may include a medal 912 responsive to a change associated with aclosure 942 relative to a container 910. This embodiment is similar inmany respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-17 and like numerals betweenthe embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elementsthroughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, thedescriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, andthe description of the common subject matter generally may not berepeated here.

The package 911 includes a container 910 and a closure 942 coupled to acontainer neck 918 and, more particularly, to a neck finish (notseparately shown) of the container 910. The package 911 also includes amedal 912 non-removably retained to the container neck 918 in a locationaxially adjacent to the closure 942. Although the illustrated embodimentincludes an enlarged head 936 of an integral retainer 935 consistentwith previously disclosed embodiments herein, those of ordinary skill inthe art would recognize that the medal 912 may be non-removably retainedby two or more such integral retainers, a pocketed retainer featuresimilar to FIGS. 4 and 7, or in any other suitable manner.

The closure 942 may include a base wall 946, an outer annular skirt 948extending axially from the base wall 946 and terminating in an axial endsurface 949, and a cam 978 carried by the skirt 948 for example, betweenthe axial end surface 949 and the base wall 946. The skirt 948 may havean outer surface, and the cam 978 may extend radially outwardly withrespect to the outer surface 948 of the skirt. For example, the cam 978may include a leading edge 979 circumferentially adjacent to acylindrical outer surface of the skirt 948, and a cam lobe 981 projectedradially outwardly and extending circumferentially around a portion ofthe skirt 948.

During manufacture of the package 911, the closure 942 may be appliedand tightened to the container 910 in any suitable manner, and then themedal 912 may be coupled to the container 910 with a rear surface facingthe container 910. The medal 912 is coupled to the container 910 so thata portion of the medal 912 axially overlaps the closure 942. Morespecifically, the portion of the medal 912 may axially overlap the axialend surface 949 of the skirt 948, and at least a portion of the cam 978,such that when the closure 942 is rotated, the overlapping portion ofthe medal 912 overlaps at least a portion of the cam 978.

In use, and from the as-packaged state of the package 911, the closure942 may be rotated with respect to the container 910 so as to force thecam 978 into engagement with the medal 912, for example, with the rearsurface thereof. Continued rotation of the closure 942 with respect tothe container 910 causes increasingly larger portions of the lobe 981 ofthe cam 978 to engage the medal 912 and thereby apply increased force tothe medal 912. In turn, the force on the medal 912 is directed to theintegral retainer feature 935, which eventually breaks under the appliedforce before the closure 942 is completely removed from the container910. Accordingly, a portion of the container may be broken to free themedal 912 from the container 910 for keeping as a collectors' orpromotional item.

FIG. 19 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a package 1011that may include a medal 1012 responsive to a change associated with aclosure 1042 relative to a container 1010. This embodiment is similar inmany respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-18 and like numerals betweenthe embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elementsthroughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, thedescriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, andthe description of the common subject matter generally may not berepeated here.

The package 1011 includes a container 1010, a closure 1042 coupled tothe container 1010, a medal 1012 carried by the container 1010, and aflaccid loop 1080 coupled to the medal 1012 and having a portion carriedbetween the closure 1042 and the container 1010. The closure 1042 may becoupled to the neck finish 1020 of the container 1010 via cooperatingthread segments, or any other suitable engagement elements, or in anyother suitable manner. The flaccid loop 1080 may include a chain, asillustrated, a cord, a cable, or any other suitable flaccid loop, andmay be used as a necklace or for any other suitable purpose. The loop1080 may extend over the neck finish 1020 in any suitable manner thatallows for closure 1042 application and removal. For example, the loop1080 may extend through axially extending interruptions in threadsegments thereof to allow the closure 1042 to be threaded to the neckfinish 1020 over the loop 1080. Also, the loop 1080 may extend over theopen mouth of the container 1010 as illustrated, and/or may wrap aroundthe neck finish 1020.

From the as-packaged state, the closure 1042 may be removed from thecontainer 1010 to allow the loop 1080 and the attached medal 1012 to beremoved from the package 1011, at least in one embodiment. In anotherembodiment, as illustrated, the medal 1012 may be non-removably retainedto the container 1010 via an integral retainer 1035, for example, anenlarged head 1036 of a peg. Accordingly, a user may pry on the medal1012 to break the retainer 1035 and free the medal 1012.

In either embodiment, the medal 1012 and/or the loop 1080 may be used asa collectors' or promotional item. The lack of such item(s) from apackage is in indication that the package is not authentic or iscounterfeit. As with any of the presently disclosed embodiments, theclosure 1042 may be coupled to the container 1010 with a tamper-evidentband (not separately shown), overwrapped foil seal, or any otheraccessories.

FIG. 20 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a package 1111that may include a medal 1112 responsive to a change associated with aclosure 1142 relative to a container 1110. This embodiment is similar inmany respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-19 and like numerals betweenthe embodiments generally designate like or corresponding elementsthroughout the several views of the drawing figures. Accordingly, thedescriptions of the embodiments are incorporated into one another, andthe description of the common subject matter generally may not berepeated here.

The package 1111 includes a container 1110, a closure 1142 coupled tothe container 1110, and a medal 1112 carried by the container 1110 andretained thereto with an integral retainer 1135 of the container 1110.The integral retainer 1135 may be similar to that shown and describedwith reference to FIGS. 4-7 except, in one example, the portion 1135 hasan open axial end 1137 out of which the medal 1112 may protrude axially.

The closure 1142 includes a base wall 1146, an outer annular skirt 1148that extends axially from the base wall 1146 and terminates in an axialend 1149. Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that theend 1149 may be part of a tamper indicating band (not separately sown)of the closure 1142 or a main body portion of the closure 1142.

The medal 1112 may include a body 1164 carried in the integral retainer1135 and having an axial end 1166 that may be carried between thecontainer 1110 and the closure 1142 wherein the closure 1142 covers aportion of the medal 1112. Accordingly, a portion of the medal 1164 mayaxially overlap a corresponding portion of the closure 1142 to blockaccess to the axial end 1166 of the medal 1112.

During manufacture of the package 1111, the medal 1112 may be coupled tothe container 1110 via the integral retainer 1135 by sliding the medal1112 into a pocket defined radially between the retainer 1135 and anouter surface of the container neck 1118, or by forming the retainer1135 over the medal 1112, for example at edges 1136, or any suitablemanner. Thereafter, the closure 1142 may be non-removably retained tothe container 1110 so that the axial edge 1149 of the skirt 1148 extendsbelow the axial end 1166 of the medal 1112.

In use, the closure 1142 may be completely removed from the container1110 to expose and allow access to the axial end 1166 of the medal 1112.At that point, a user may remove the medal 1112 by grasping the end 1166of the medal 1112, and sliding it out of the retainer 1135 or breakingit free from the retainer 1135, or in any other suitable manner.

FIG. 21 illustrates another illustrative embodiment of a container 1210.This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of FIGS.1-20 and like numerals between the embodiments generally designate likeor corresponding elements throughout the several views of the drawingfigures. Accordingly, the descriptions of the embodiments areincorporated into one another, and the description of the common subjectmatter generally may not be repeated here.

The container 1210 may include a medal 1212 non-removably retained to anouter surface thereof consistent with previously disclosed embodiments.For example, the medal 1212 may be retained to the container 1210 withintegral retainers 1235 of the container 1210 itself. In the illustratedembodiment, the retainers 1235 may include enlarged heads 1236 ofintegral container pegs (not separately shown) to trap edges of themedal 1212 to the container 1210. Of course, any other suitableconfiguration may be used including retainers extending throughapertures (not shown) through the medal 1212, or a retaining frame overthe outer periphery of the medal 1212 like that of FIGS. 4 and 7, or thelike.

The medal 1212 and portions of the container 1210 adjacent orsurrounding the medal 1212 may have a shared unique appearance. Anexample shared unique appearance is indicated schematically by a commoncontinuous pattern, for instance a wavy line pattern, over both themedal 1212 and at least a portion of the container 1210. In anotherexample of a shared unique appearance, common continuous indicia (liketext or numerals) may extend over both the container 1210 and the medal1212. The indicia may include a serial number, phrase, or any othersuitable indicia.

The medal 1212 may be removed from the container 1210 by using a key orother implement to pry on the medal 1212 and fracture the integralretainers 1235. But once the medal 1212 is removed from the container1210, it cannot be easily replaced with a replacement medal because itsappearance would not be shared with the original container. Accordingly,the attached medal 1212 and appearance shared with the container 1210provide an anti-counterfeit measure.

In general, the containers described above can be produced in anysuitable manner. The containers may be composed of glass, plastic, ormetal, and may be of one-piece integrally formed construction. (The term“integrally formed construction” does not exclude one-piece integrallymolded layered constructions of the type disclosed in, for example, U.S.Pat. No. 4,740,401, or one-piece containers to which other structure isadded after the container-forming operation.) In a glass embodiment, thecontainers may be fabricated in a press-and-blow, narrow neckpress-and-blow, or a blow-and-blow container manufacturing operation. Ina plastic embodiment, the containers may be produced in an injection,compression, and/or blow molding operation. In a metal embodiment, thecontainers may be manufactured in a roll forming and welding operation,or in any other suitable manner. Below, an example glass containermanufacturing process is described. But many of the principles describedbelow are applicable to plastic container and metal containermanufacturing processes.

For example, a typical glass container manufacturing process includes a“hot end” and a “cold end.” The hot end may include one or more glassmelting furnaces to produce a glass melt, one or more forming machinesto form the glass melt into containers, and one or more applicators toapply a hot-end coating to the containers. The “hot end” also mayinclude an annealing lehr, or at least a beginning portion of theannealing lehr, for annealing the containers therein. Through the lehr,the temperature may be brought down gradually to a downstream portion,cool end, or exit of the lehr. The “cold end” may include an end portionof the annealing lehr, applicators to apply one or more cold-endcoatings to the containers downstream of the annealing lehr, inspectionequipment to inspect the containers, and packaging machines to packagethe containers.

In conjunction with the above description, the containers may beproduced by the following container manufacturing process, which may ormay not include all of the disclosed steps or be sequentially processedor processed in the particular sequence discussed, and the presentlydisclosed manufacturing process and marking methods encompass anysequencing, overlap, or parallel processing of such steps.

First, a batch of glass-forming materials may be melted. For example, amelting furnace may include a tank with melters to melt soda-lime-silicato produce molten glass. Thereafter, the molten glass may flow from thetank, through a throat, and to a refiner at the downstream end of thefurnace where the molten glass may be conditioned. From the furnace, themolten glass may be directed toward a downstream forehearth that mayinclude a cooling zone, a conditioning zone, and a downstream end incommunication with a gob feeder. The feeder may measure out gobs ofglass and deliver them to a container forming operation.

Next, the glass gobs may be formed into containers, for example, byforming machines, which may include press-and-blow or blow-and-blowindividual section machines, or any other suitable forming equipment.Blank molds may receive the glass gobs from the feeder and form parisonsor blanks, which may be at a temperature on the order of 900-1100degrees Celsius. Blow molds may receive the blanks from the blank moldsand form the blanks into containers, which may be at a temperature onthe order of 700-900 degrees Celsius. Material handling equipment mayremove the containers from the forming machines and place the containerson conveyors or the like. Also, the formed containers may be annealed,for example, by an annealing lehr. At an entry, hot end, or upstreamportion of the annealing lehr, the temperature therein may be, forinstance, on the order of 500-700 degrees Celsius. Through the lehr, thetemperature may be brought down gradually to a downstream portion, coolend, or exit of the lehr, for example, to a temperature therein on theorder of 100 degrees Celsius.

At any suitable point(s) in the manufacturing process, the containersare tagged with medals. The tagging step includes applying medals to thecontainers or to the blanks to mark the containers or blanks.

In one example, the medals may be applied to the blanks in the blankmolds or to the containers in the blow molds, for instance, by insertmolding the medals onto the bases of the blanks or the containers asthey are formed. For example, a robotic arm or pick-and-place unit maybe used to pick up a medal and place it in a recess or detent in a mold.Accordingly, in one embodiment, a forming step may include sub-steps offorming a blank and then forming the container from the blank, whereinthe medal is insert molded to the blank during the blank forming step.In another embodiment, the forming step may includes sub-steps offorming a blank and then forming the container from the blank, whereinthe medal is insert molded to the container during the container formingstep.

In another example, the medals may be applied to the containersdownstream of the blow molds. For instance, portions of the containersmay be swaged to retain the medals to the containers between the formingand annealing steps, using any suitable material handling and swagingequipment. The swaging equipment may include heaters to heat thecontainer projections before and/or during swaging, and may includeswaging heads to contact and deform the container projections over themedals. For example, the heaters may include torches, induction coils,lasers, or any other suitable heating devices, and the swaging heads mayinclude rotary, reciprocating, vibrational, or other types of swagingheads. As used herein, the term “swage” includes cold or hot swaging,stationary or rotary swaging, or any other suitable process of formingcontainer material with respect to the medals to secure the medals tothe containers.

The container forming step may include forming a radially outwardlyextending peg integrally with a wall of the container. Also, thecontainer forming step may include forming a depression in the wall ofthe container around the peg. In another embodiment, the containerforming step may includes forming a radially outwardly extending rim ina wall of the container.

The retaining step may include placing the medal over the peg andagainst the container wall and swaging the peg, so that containermaterial flows axially or transversely with respect to the axis of thepeg, thereby forming a head on the peg to trap the medal between thehead and the container wall so that the head extends over a portion ofthe medal to non-removably retain the medal to the container. Also, theretaining step may include placing the medal in a depression formed inthe container. In another embodiment, the retaining step may includeplacing the medal within a rim and against the container wall andswaging the rim over a radially outer edge of the medal to form aretaining flange on the rim to trap the medal between the flange and thecontainer wall so that the rim flange extends over a portion of themedal to non-removably retain the medal to the container. In eitherembodiment, the retaining step may include applying the medal to thecontainer so that decorative indicia on one side of the medal facesoutwardly, and/or so that authentication indicia on one side of themedal faces inwardly. Also, in either embodiment, the retaining stepfurther may include applying solder glass between the medal and thecontainer, adhering the medal to the container with an adhesive, or thelike, for example, to supplement retention of the medal to thecontainer.

In any case, the medals are non-removably retained to correspondingwall(s) of the containers so that the medals cannot be removed withoutdestroying or damaging the containers, such that the medals serve astamper-resistant authentication markers. If desired, the container maybe damaged or destroyed to gain separate access to the medals, forexample, where the medals are sought after as collectors' items.Accordingly, separate bar code labels or the like need not be applied tothe containers. Unlike typical bar code labels that are flexible and canbe easily torn away from containers, the presently disclosed medals arerigid and cannot be pulled away from the containers without breaking oneor more portions of the containers. And even if the medals could somehowbe removed, replacement medals could not be attached to the containersin their original manner thereby providing indication of a lack ofauthenticity. Bar code labels and the like may be easily tampered with,add significant cost to the process, and may detract from a brand appealof a product.

In use, a product manufacturer can fill a container with product, recordan authentication code from the container medal, and store informationabout the product in conjunction with the serial code as a record in aproduction database or the like. Later in the product cycle, adistributor, consumer, or the like can read the serial code from themedal, access the manufacturer's production database via the Internet orotherwise, and search the database for the serial code to authenticatethe container and/or the product inside the container.

Accordingly, the medals can be used throughout a distribution and supplychain for container or product tracking and tracing, returning andrefilling, and/or authenticity verification of the container and/or theproduct contained within the container. For example, a variety ofattributes can be verified or added during the product cycle, forinstance, the date and/or location of manufacture of the container, theproduct contained within the container, authenticity of the containerand/or the product therein. In some of the embodiments, the act ofremoving the closure and/or the medal causes visible damage to thecontainer. Also in some embodiments, for instance with those shown inFIGS. 19 and 20, the medal may be removed without damage to thecontainer and the fact that the medal is missing is an indication thatthe package has been previously opened, is counterfeit, or the like.

There thus has been disclosed a container and methods of manufacture,that fully satisfy all of the objects and aims previously set forth. Thedisclosure has been presented in conjunction with several illustrativeembodiments, and additional modifications and variations have beendiscussed. Other modifications and variations readily will suggestthemselves to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of theforegoing discussion. The disclosure is intended to embrace all suchmodifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

1. A package that includes: a container; a closure coupled to thecontainer; a flaccid loop coupled between the closure and the container;and a medal coupled to the flaccid loop.
 2. The package of claim 1,wherein the medal is retained to a wall of the container by containermaterial of integral one-piece construction with the wall and extendingover at least a portion of the medal.
 3. The package of claim 1, whereinthe flaccid loop is a necklace.
 4. The package of claim 1, wherein theflaccid loop includes at least one of a chain, a cord, or a cable. 5.The package of claim 1, wherein the container includes a neck finish andthe flaccid loop extends over the neck finish to allow for closureapplication and removal.
 6. The package of claim 1, wherein the flaccidloop extends over an open mouth of the container.
 7. The package ofclaim 1, wherein, from an as-packaged state, the closure is removablefrom the container to allow the loop and the medal to be removed fromthe package.
 8. The package of claim 1, wherein the medal isnon-removably retained to the container via an integral retainer.
 9. Thepackage of claim 8, wherein the integral retainer includes an enlargedhead of a peg, such that the medal may be pried upon to break theretainer and free the medal.
 10. The package of claim 1, wherein atleast one of the medal or the flaccid loop is usable as a collectors' orpromotional item, and wherein the lack of such item(s) from the packageis in indication that the package is not authentic or is counterfeit.11. A package that includes: a container; a closure coupled to thecontainer; a medal non-removably retained to the container via anintegral retainer; and a flaccid loop coupled to the medal, wherein thelack of at least one of the medal or the flaccid loop from the packageis in indication that the package is not authentic or is counterfeit.12. The package of claim 11, wherein the medal is retained to a wall ofthe container by container material of integral one-piece constructionwith the wall and extending over at least a portion of the medal. 13.The package of claim 11, wherein the flaccid loop is a necklace.
 14. Thepackage of claim 11, wherein the flaccid loop includes at least one of achain, a cord, or a cable.
 15. The package of claim 11, wherein thecontainer includes a neck finish and the flaccid loop extends over theneck finish to allow for closure application and removal.
 16. Thepackage of claim 11, wherein the flaccid loop extends over an open mouthof the container.
 17. The package of claim 11, wherein, from anas-packaged state, the closure is removable from the container to allowthe loop and the medal to be removed from the package.
 18. The packageof claim 11, wherein the medal is non-removably retained to thecontainer via an integral retainer.
 19. The package of claim 18, whereinthe integral retainer includes an enlarged head of a peg, such that themedal may be pried upon to break the retainer and free the medal. 20.The package of claim 1, wherein at least one of the medal or the flaccidloop is usable as a collectors' or promotional item.